Author Topic: Chain master link broke, help me diagnose the damage (Read 2805 times)

WaxhawFive · « **on:** July 12, 2016, 11:28:55 AM »

The master link failed this morning on my first ride to work, and I had to push it ½ mile back home. Supposedly it’s a new chain, but maybe the P.O. didn’t have the clip fully seated, and I failed to notice it when I cleaned, oiled, and checked the tension this weekend. I’m just thankful it didn’t happen on the ride last night with the wife! The damage could have been worse I suppose, have a look.

WaxhawFive · « **Reply #1 on:** July 12, 2016, 11:29:40 AM »

More pics...

WaxhawFive · « **Reply #2 on:** July 12, 2016, 11:29:53 AM »

WaxhawFive · « **Reply #3 on:** July 12, 2016, 11:34:15 AM »

I found the main half of the master link and the spring clip inside the greasy cover. Both ends of the chain look fine, no damage, so I ordered a new 530 standard (non O-ring) master link and hopefully I'll be back in business.

WaxhawFive · « **Reply #4 on:** July 12, 2016, 11:49:37 AM »

How serious is this damaged area, other than making a mess from throwing grease out? I guess I could clean it all up and JB-Weld the two pieces I found back in place? I'm glad no wires were touched.

flybox1 · « **Reply #5 on:** July 12, 2016, 12:27:00 PM »

Clean de-grease that area really well. Start it and check for leaks while its idling.

WaxhawFive · « **Reply #6 on:** July 12, 2016, 12:35:17 PM »

OK, I'll do that tonight and report back.

Scott S · « **Reply #7 on:** July 12, 2016, 12:37:35 PM »

Looks like you got lucky!

754 · « **Reply #8 on:** July 12, 2016, 12:51:34 PM »

Yes you got lucky...

WaxhawFive · « **Reply #9 on:** July 12, 2016, 01:17:48 PM »

What's the large black rubber disc? Is that some sort of hole plug?

flybox1 · « **Reply #10 on:** July 12, 2016, 01:30:50 PM »

Yes, and it gets eaten quickly when the wrong chain is used.

WaxhawFive · « **Reply #11 on:** July 12, 2016, 01:41:27 PM »

OK, I'll check it for leaks. If not I'll probably go ahead replace it at the next oil change anyway.

Scott S · « **Reply #12 on:** July 12, 2016, 02:07:19 PM »

No....leave the big rubber plug alone. I don't see any reason to mess with it unless it was damaged by the chain.

flybox1 · « **Reply #13 on:** July 12, 2016, 02:17:49 PM »

Quote from: Scott S on July 12, 2016, 02:07:19 PM

No....leave the big rubber plug alone. I don't see any reason to mess with it unless it was damaged by the chain.

It is/was.
The question now is if it is leaking.
I think itll be OK, but the bike should be run to test it.
Ive seen much worse here over the years

Scott S · « **Reply #14 on:** July 12, 2016, 02:43:39 PM »

Me too....that's why I said leave it alone!

Jerry Rxman Griffin aka MuthaF'er · « **Reply #15 on:** July 12, 2016, 03:47:56 PM »

Just be sure you install the master in the proper direction.

FunJimmy · « **Reply #16 on:** July 12, 2016, 04:29:52 PM »

Yup. Got real lucky I'd say.
The plug looks like it will live to see a few more miles.
You could cut a thin piece of sheet aluminum and JB Weld it in to keep grease and grim off the oil pump.

Kevin D · « **Reply #17 on:** July 12, 2016, 06:04:27 PM »

I can't quite tell, but in the first picture those sprocket teeth look like they are hooked/worn.

BobbyR · « **Reply #18 on:** July 12, 2016, 06:24:37 PM »

Quote from: Kevin D on July 12, 2016, 06:04:27 PM

I can't quite tell, but in the first picture those sprocket teeth look like they are hooked/worn.
[/quote

That front sprocket is toast. It may have contributed to the link failure. None the less, it needs to be changed pronto.

WaxhawFive · « **Reply #19 on:** July 13, 2016, 05:17:37 AM »

No time for cleaning last night, but I started it and no leaks from anywhere. I'll order a new front sprocket today. Any brands to avoid, or recommended?

WaxhawFive · « **Reply #20 on:** July 13, 2016, 05:46:28 AM »

Any tricks to getting these sprockets off? It looks like I need to flatten a few tabs, then two bolts. Looks simple, but...

evanphi · « **Reply #21 on:** July 13, 2016, 05:50:40 AM »

Quote from: WaxhawFive on July 13, 2016, 05:46:28 AM

Any tricks to getting these sprockets off? It looks like I need to flatten a few tabs, then two bolts. Looks simple, but...

remove the bolts (keep it in gear), flatten the tabs, and then it will slide off. You'll have to slightly rotate the washer to take it off.

pmanning · « **Reply #22 on:** July 13, 2016, 05:58:40 AM »

Quote from: WaxhawFive on July 13, 2016, 05:46:28 AM

Any tricks to getting these sprockets off? It looks like I need to flatten a few tabs, then two bolts. Looks simple, but...

It is simple. The bolts come off, the keeper rotates a few degrees and slips off the splines, then the sprocket slips off. Check the rear sprocket as well. If teeth are worn and hooked on your countershaft sprocket they are likely no better on the wheel sprocket. New chain on worn sprockets is no good.

flybox1 · « **Reply #23 on:** July 13, 2016, 06:54:36 AM »

Quote from: WaxhawFive on July 13, 2016, 05:17:37 AM

No time for cleaning last night, but I started it and no leaks from anywhere. I'll order a new front sprocket today. Any brands to avoid, or recommended?

JTsprockets and Sunstar have good products.

WaxhawFive · « **Reply #24 on:** July 14, 2016, 09:50:21 AM »

I ordered a JT, it'll be here tomorrow.

BTW, what is the correct way? Mine had the spring clip towards the wheel, and due to my limited damage when it failed, I'd think that was the "right" way. Is that correct?

flybox1 · « **Reply #25 on:** July 14, 2016, 10:10:19 AM »

When the clip is on the top row (headed towards the front sprocket) its opening should face the rear of the bike.

evanphi · « **Reply #26 on:** July 14, 2016, 10:31:05 AM »

flybox1 · « **Reply #27 on:** July 14, 2016, 10:39:04 AM »

Lube yer chain, Evan!

evanphi · « **Reply #28 on:** July 14, 2016, 10:59:57 AM »

Quote from: flybox1 on July 14, 2016, 10:39:04 AM

Lube yer chain, Evan!

Not mine.

Although some of the old bikes I saw this weekend... uuuuhg.

WaxhawFive · « **Reply #29 on:** July 14, 2016, 01:02:47 PM »

Oh, you meant the direction of the clip! Didn't even think of that, I though you meant the direction of the link itself. OK, so the clip go on the inside of the chain (towards the wheel), of like your picture with the clip towards the outside, or does it matter? Thanks

flybox1 · « **Reply #30 on:** July 14, 2016, 01:25:16 PM »

Quote from: WaxhawFive on July 14, 2016, 01:02:47 PM

Oh, you meant the direction of the clip! Didn't even think of that, I though you meant the direction of the link itself. OK, so the clip go on the inside of the chain (towards the wheel), of like your picture with the clip towards the outside, or does it matter? Thanks

Install the clip on the outside of the chain.
Inside it might cause interference issues with the galley plug.

WaxhawFive · « **Reply #31 on:** July 14, 2016, 01:54:41 PM »

10-4, thanks all.

WaxhawFive · « **Reply #32 on:** July 14, 2016, 07:20:03 PM »

Master link arrived stamped "530H" and it didn't fit, the pins are too thick. The master link that failed is stamped DID50. New link has 5.20mm pins, old link has 5.06mm pins. Maybe what I have is an "industrial" #50 chain? Guess I need to start learning more about roller chains.

flybox1 · « **Reply #33 on:** July 14, 2016, 07:39:16 PM »

buy a new chain w an included masterlink

WaxhawFive · « **Reply #34 on:** July 15, 2016, 05:58:11 AM »

Here's what I've learned, I seem to have the correct DID standard 530 roller chain, standard meaning non-O-ring/X-ring. It's the stock chain for our bikes. By mistake I ordered a 530H link, which is heavy duty, non-motorcycle, and is dimensionally different, thicker pins and 1/32" thicker side plates. So I have the correct chain, and it looks like new, but I ordered the wrong link. My mistake, per usual.

BobbyR · « **Reply #35 on:** July 15, 2016, 12:04:35 PM »

Quote from: WaxhawFive on July 15, 2016, 05:58:11 AM

Here's what I've learned, I seem to have the correct DID standard 530 roller chain, standard meaning non-O-ring/X-ring. It's the stock chain for our bikes. By mistake I ordered a 530H link, which is heavy duty, non-motorcycle, and is dimensionally different, thicker pins and 1/32" thicker side plates. So I have the correct chain, and it looks like new, but I ordered the wrong link. My mistake, per usual.

It happens to all of us. We buy the wrong thing. We learn from it.

News:

Author Topic: Chain master link broke, help me diagnose the damage (Read 2805 times)